Using Botox To Treat Migraines

By Cali Marinaw


In recent times, the uses for botulinum toxin treatments has increased significantly. Applications in cosmetic surgery and muscle spasticity disorder are now well recognized and are offered at a number of different centers all over the world. Migraines are one of the newer conditions that botox has been used to treat.

In this article we shall take a brief look at this new application of botox injections.

The origins of using this treatment for migraines

The results of botox injections into muscle tissue is that nerve signals are paralyzed, which blocks signals to muscles so they stay relaxed. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum causes this result. Eye muscles can be relaxed this way, as well as muscles in other areas, of a patient's body, which can help rebuild muscle tone and restore function to higher levels.

Migraines and botox

The release of serotonin which is a neuro-chemical, is how migraines are mediated. Treatments of botox do not affect that, but there is evidence that shows patients who find relief from migraine pain from the treatments.

While this is exciting news, it is still under investigation and there does not appear to be a clear reason as to how it can help reduce migraine headaches. Botox has been suggested to be injected at 31 to 39 different points in the scalp. The most common theories that have been put forth:

Number one would be that pain signals in nerves are blocked by these injections.

After that, the muscles in the scalp are relaxed, which in turn, causes the brain to have a lower blood pressure.

Even though research is still in early stages, there appears to be good evidence supporting its use particularly because it can help reduce the frequency of headaches and also improve the quality of life of patients.

Botox injections are recommended for chronic migraine sufferers who have had headaches for more than 15 days in a month and in those who have not responded to different drug treatments. Analgesic overuse headaches happen when a patient over5uses painkiller medications, so this must be examined for patients as well.

Treatments should be stopped if 2 cycles of botox injection treatments have failed, or the character of the migraine has changed and no longer meets the criteria of occurring on 15 days of a month.

Any risks?

Botox injections into the scalp may cause neck pain and allergic reactions, but these are rare.

Summary

Migraines are now being treated by injections of botox, but it's still a new application for this condition. Botox treatments for chronic migraine look like they are effective, but at this time, further study needs to be concluded in order for these claims to be verified.




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